Measurements

Both Sexes

Length

7.5–8.3 in19–21 cm

Weight

1.3–1.9 oz 36–55 g

Other Names

Poor-will

Engoulevent de Nuttall (French)

Pachacue común (Spanish)

Cool Facts

The Common Poorwill can slow its metabolic rate and drop its body temperature, going into a hibernation-like state known as "torpor." In periods of cold weather, a poorwill may stay in torpor for several weeks. Although probably not true hibernation, topor allows the bird to go long periods of time without food and can help it survive cold spells when its insect prey would not be active.

Common Poorwills in the laboratory readily enter torpor when deprived of food.

Nesting Facts

Nest Description

Nest Placement

Behavior

Conservation

Common Poorwill populations appear to have slowly declined between 1966 and 2014, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 2 million with 77% spending some part of the year in the U.S., and 75% in Mexico. They rate a 9 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score and are not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List.